Calatagan is a beautiful coastal town in Batangas that is a popular destination for beach lovers and adventure seekers. The town is known for its long stretches of powdery white sand beaches, crystal-clear waters, and stunning natural attractions that are sure to leave visitors in awe. Whether you’re looking for a place to relax and unwind or an opportunity to explore and discover new things, Calatagan has something to offer everyone. One of the main attractions in Calatagan is its beautiful beaches. Calatagan Beach, for instance, is a long stretch of white sand beach that is perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and beach volleyball. The beaches in Calatagan are not only beautiful but also clean, making it a great destination for families and groups of friends. Apart from its beaches, Calatagan is also home to several other natural attractions.
Breakfast at Corcolon Lomi House
Corcolon Lomi House is a must-visit destination for anyone who loves lomi. We decided to stop by here before going to Calatagan Batangas for our Brunch. It was about more than an hour away the Calatagan proper. I had the pleasure of visiting this iconic restaurant in Lipa Batangas, and it was definitely worth the trip. We ordered the Panalong Combo Mini for Php 999 ($ 17.96), which is perfect for small groups or families of 8. This dish is a flavor explosion in your mouth, with toppings such as chicharon, rebusado, fried chicken, dynamite, shanghai, and lechon kawali all on top of a bed of delicious lomi noodles. The dish was served piping hot, and we all dug in right away. The toppings were generous, and the lomi noodles were perfectly cooked. We paired our meal with buns and soft drinks, and it was the perfect combination.
Even though we were just a group of 5, we still had enough lomi to take home and enjoy later. Aside from the Panalong Combo Mini, Corcolon Lomi House also offers the Panalong Combo Giant, which is good for 12 people. This is an excellent choice for large groups or family gatherings, and is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. The price of Php 1,299 ($ 23.36) is well worth it for the amount of food you get and the quality of the dish. The ambiance of Corcolon Lomi House is also worth mentioning. The restaurant has a cozy and inviting atmosphere, with wooden tables and chairs and an open-air setup. The staff is friendly and accommodating, and the service is quick and efficient. In total, our meal set us back Php 1,219 ( $21.92) only!
Get groceries at Calatagan Public Market
Located in the heart of Calatagan Batangas, the Calatagan Public Market is a bustling center of commerce and culture that has been serving the needs of the local community for generations. This vibrant marketplace is a hub of activity that showcases the rich diversity of the region’s agricultural produce, seafood, handicrafts, and other locally-made goods. One of the key features of the Calatagan Public Market is its selection of fresh seafood, which includes a variety of fish, crabs, shrimp, and other marine delicacies that are caught daily by local fishermen. Visitors can choose from a wide range of options, from live fish in tanks to freshly caught shellfish that can be cooked on the spot. The market’s seafood section is a testament to the region’s thriving fishing industry and its commitment to sustainable fishing practices. This market is the nearest to our accommodation which is about 20-30 mins away.
So we decided to buy everything we need here before heading to Serenity Beach House. It will be a hassle to go back if need anything else so we made sure that we got everything. We were able to buy charcoal for our BBQ, some pork chops, two kinds of fish, condiments, and utensils. I also couldn’t get myself from buying a huge watermelon that costs Php 400! In total, we spend about Php 2,700 ($49) on everything. That covers our dinner, breakfast the next day, and some snacks already.
Check-in at Serenity Beach House
My friends and I recently visited Serenity Beach House in Calatagan Batangas, and stayed at the small house since we were only a group of 5. The room we got was spacious enough to accommodate 6 people comfortably, and it had all the necessary amenities we needed for our stay. This room set us back only Php 6,000 ($108) per night. Luckily, the other room was free so we didn’t have to share the common area which is the kitchen and dining. One thing we loved about Serenity Beach House was the staff’s friendliness and quick responsiveness to our requests. They even let us use the pool the next morning when the main house’s guests checked out. We were able to book our island hopping tour through them, and they made sure that we had everything we needed during our stay.
The beach was just a short 3-minute walk from the small house, and it was clean and not too crowded. We had a great time swimming and snorkeling, and we even had a chance to use the free-floating cottage that comes with the rental. It was a perfect spot to relax and enjoy the scenic view. The small house was also equipped with modern amenities such as air conditioning and Wi-Fi. We were able to cook our meals in the fully equipped kitchen, which saved us money compared to eating out in restaurants. If you’re looking for a bigger space, you can rent the entire small house good for 12 pax which costs Php 12,000 ($216). Or the main house with a swimming pool good for 35 pax that costs Php 25-35,000 ($450-$630).
Cape Santiago Lighthouse
The Cape Santiago Lighthouse, for instance, is a historical landmark that offers a breathtaking view of the sea and the town. It was built by the Spanish colonial government in 1890 to guide ships navigating the waters around the Calatagan peninsula. The lighthouse is perched on top of a hill overlooking the Verde Island Passage, a narrow strait that separates the islands of Luzon and Mindoro. It is an imposing structure, standing at 51 feet tall, and its white tower is visible from miles away. Visitors can climb up the lighthouse’s spiral staircase, which has 65 steps, to reach the top and enjoy a breathtaking view of the surrounding landscape. From the top of the lighthouse, visitors can see the Verde Island Passage, the nearby Maricaban Island, and the Batangas Bay. Aside from its scenic beauty, the Cape Santiago Lighthouse also has a rich history.
During World War II, it was used as a lookout post by both the Japanese and American forces. Today, it is a popular tourist destination and a symbol of the town’s maritime heritage. The lighthouse is located inside the Calatagan Lighthouse Resort, which is a private resort. However, visitors can still access the lighthouse by paying Php 50 ($0.90) entrance fee. The site is open to visitors daily from 8 AM to 5 PM. Visitors are advised to wear comfortable clothing and footwear as the climb to the top of the lighthouse can be steep and challenging.
Island Hopping to Sandbar (Little Boracay) and Star Fish Area, and experience snorkeling and feeding fishes!
During my recent visit to Serenity Beach House in Calatagan Batangas, my friends and I booked an island hopping tour for only Php 350/head. The tour included a visit to the Sandbar, Snorkeling/Fish Feeding Area, Starfish Area, and Little Boracay. The tour was guided by 2 licensed bangkeros who were both friendly and informative. We started the tour by visiting the Sandbar, which was a long stretch of white sand in the middle of the sea. It was breathtaking to see the clear waters and the white sand, and we had a great time taking pictures and just enjoying the view. Next, we visited the Snorkeling/Fish Feeding Area, where we rented goggles for Php 100 each. It was worth the rental fee as we got to see a lot of fish of different colors and sizes. We even fed some of them, which was a unique experience.
After that, we visited the Starfish Area, where we saw a lot of starfishes in different colors and sizes. It was amazing to see them up close and personal. Finally, we stopped by Little Boracay, a small island with white sand and clear waters. It was a perfect spot to just relax and enjoy the scenery. There were a lot of floating cottages where we could hang out and just enjoy the view. During the tour, we saw a guy from another boat selling fresh sea urchins for Php 100 per 7 pieces with vinegar. It was so good, but I preferred it with wasabi for an added kick. Overall, it set us back a total of Php 2,700 or $48.57 (including the tip) and it was worth it!
Lunch at Souq Salamanca
Souq Salamanca in Calatagan, Batangas is a hidden gem that offers an extraordinary experience for those who want to indulge in spiritual healing and relaxation. My friends and I recently visited the place and decided to try out their restaurant, which offers a variety of dishes that are both healthy and delicious. We ordered a lot of food, including their famous Granny’s Old Fashioned Fried Chicken Wings, Authentic Suman Sa Gata, Creamy Seafood Laksa, Dinorado Rice Platter, and Tipsy Pork Ribs. The total cost for our meal was Php 2,390 ($ 42.97), which was already good for five people. They were all delicious and the Suman is our favorite! As we entered Souq Salamanca, we were immediately greeted by the tranquil sounds of nature and the sweet scent of fresh flowers. The lush greenery surrounding the area created a peaceful and serene atmosphere that immediately made us feel at ease.
The staff was very accommodating and friendly, which added to the overall positive vibe of the place. Aside from the restaurant, Souq Salamanca also offers a wide selection of healing gems and crystals. The stones are believed to have various healing properties and can promote physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being. The staff at Souq Salamanca are knowledgeable about the different stones and can help you choose the perfect one for your needs. We couldn’t resist checking out their collection and even bought a few to take home. Since it was summer, it was so hot even though the place is surrounded by greeneries. We were told that evening is the best time to go. So if you’re planning to check this place out, reserve during dinner time. Reservation and advance order is highly encouraged.
Breakdown of Expenses
Here’s our breakdown of expenses for our 2 days and 1 night of Calatagan Batangas Trip.
Toll Fee – Php 680
Corcolon Lomi House (Tip Included) – Php 1,219
Calatagan Public Market Groceries – Php 2,412
Overnight Serenity Beach House (Good for 6 Pax) – Php 6,000
Cape Lighthouse Ticket for 5 people – Php 250
Boat Ride/Island Hopping good for 6 pax (Tips and Goggle Rental Included – Php 2,700
Souq Salamanca – Php 2,390
Total Expenses – Php 15,651 ($ 281.41)
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